Ritu Goyal

Zheng Zhang

Ophir Ortiz

Joachim Kohn

The design and development of tissue-engineered products has benefited from many years of clinical utilization of a wide range of biodegradable polymers. Newly developed biodegradable polymers and modifications of previously developed biodegradable polymers have enhanced the tools available for creating clinically important tissue-engineering applications. Insights gained from studies of cell-matrix interactions, cell-cell signaling, and organization of cellular components, are placing increased demands on medical implants to interact with the patient’s tissue in a more biologically appropriate fashion. Whereas in the twentieth century biocompatibility was largely equated with eliciting no harmful response, the biomaterials of the twenty first century will have to elicit tissue responses that support healing or regeneration of the patient’s own tissue. This chapter surveys the universe of those biodegradable polymers that may be useful in the development of medical implants and tissue-engineered products. Here, we distinguish between biologically derived polymers and synthetic polymers. The materials are described in terms of their chemical composition, breakdown products, mechanism of breakdown, mechanical properties, and clinical limitations. Also discussed are product design considerations in processing of biomaterials into a final form (e.g., gel, membrane, matrix) that will effect the desired tissue response.

13. Biodegradable Polymers

Handbook of Polymer Applications in Medicine and Medical Devices

Adapted from an Indian folktale, Never Lie Ever is a story about family, faith, and honesty. A mama bird makes a delicious meal to share with the family. Papa Bird could not resist to wait and finishes it all up only to get himself in trouble. Mama Bird, with her honesty and confidence, gets Papa Bird to accept his mistake and saves him from the trouble.

Ritu Goyal

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